Charlie Scott '77, P '09, P'12 - Alumni Association

Charlie Scott '77, P '09, P'12
President of the Alumni Board of Directors
Representative of the Gettysburg College Alumni Association

"Thank you for the opportunity to speak briefly to you on this important day in the lives of all of you.

Having served on the Alumni Board for 4-plus years now, I've had the chance to really get to know the Class of 2011 - through activities such as job shadowing, externships, mock interviews, football games, and the senior dinner and reception.  As a result, I can say, with great certainty . . . THE CLASS OF 2011 ROCKS!!   

On behalf of more than 25,000 members of the Gettysburg College Alumni Association, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2011. And a very special thank you for your achievement of  91% participation in your Senior Class Gift which has raised over $28,000 for Gettysburg.  Both of these numbers represent a huge success for your class. What a great accomplishment! Thank you!

To the many family, friends, faculty, administrators and all members of the Gettysburg College community, I also extend congratulations and thank you for your support and encouragement to insure our "youngest alums" leave today with diplomas in hand. 

Graduates . . . . what a special day this is for you and your parents!

Every college boasts of its traditions.  Here at Gettysburg, your Alumni Association has gifted each of you with the "Stole of Gratitude" that you wear today.  As you've come to learn, while this is a gift to you . . . you, in turn, will honor the tradition by presenting the stole to someone-family, friend or perhaps a faculty or staff member-who played a significant role in helping you achieve your goals at Gettysburg College.

Most of you have spent four challenging years here on campus.  Some of you have studied abroad or had great experiences in service or research, or in internships and externships.  You worked hard and invested a tremendous amount of time, energy, and money for a very fine education. These experiences are now part of your roots.  As you proceed from here, remember these roots and nurture them as you go.

Four years ago when you stepped on this campus, you may not have been thinking about it, but people had already invested in you.  You see, it's this sense of community that keeps Gettysburgians connected.  You were an alum back in August of 2007, you've just been spending the first four years of your alumni years on campus.  And as you make this transition from campus, I encourage you to remember this tradition.  Recall those who believed in you and allowed you to obtain this well earned degree.

You'll soon be leaving Gettysburg but we want you to remember that this special place - which many of you have called home for four years - will be a place where you are always welcome.  Gettysburg will quietly stand by you as you embark on your career, further your education, and experience the many other challenges and joys of life.  The Orange and Blue will be there with you along the way.

I urge you to stay connected with classmates and faculty, and help connect others to the Gettysburg experience.  For nearly 180 years, alumni have been contributing to making Gettysburg what it is here today . . . what you had the privilege to experience.  Now, your turn has come . . . to give back to your alma mater through your time and resources.  I tell you this from personal experience . . . staying connected not only gives future Gettysburgians a richer college experience, but it keeps your relationship with the school strong and fresh.

There are many opportunities to stay connected when you leave here:

• Be in touch with the Alumni Relations Office
• Support and become a member of your new Alumni Group BOLD - Burgians of the Last Decade
• Help plan, or just attend, regional alumni events
• Become involved in reunion planning
• Meet with perspective students to encourage them to come to Gettysburg
• Provide career mentoring to students. It might be shadowing opportunities or intern or externships, or just talking about your experiences
• And last but not least, please continue your class's wonderful performance in contributing to Gettysburg Fund and the Orange and Blue Fund.

In closing . . . anyone else here from New Jersey?  Well, because the Class of 2011 "rocks" I thought I'd turn to the Boss for some concluding words!  Using a few of his lyrics let me leave you by saying:

• Say good-bye, it's Independence Day,
  
  
• Talk about a dream; try to make it real, wake up in the night with it feelin' so real
  
  
• Because baby you were Born to Run

Thank you; let's all celebrate the Class of 2011, newest members of the Gettysburg College Alumni Association!"